So many MLS listings in Lexington, Bedford, Arlington and Cambridge promote ‘easy access to the bike path' or ‘next to the bike path,' as if everyone should know what a good thing that is! I thought it deserves an explanation of just what ‘the bike path' is, and why it is a good thing to be next to. The official name is The Minuteman Bikeway. It is a great example of a successful conversion of an old unused rail right-of-way into a dynamic recreation area. The trail runs from Bedford through Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge, stopping in Cambridge at the Alewife "T" station. This makes it a great route for commuters who are willing to put forth the energy to cycle to the "T" and then access metro Boston via the mass transit system. With the price of gas going over $4 a gallon I have to believe that this approach will become more popular in the coming years.
The path is not just for the pragmatic or hard core-cyclists it is also heavily used by recreational cyclists of all ages, families, walkers, roller-bladers, and in the winter time, occasionally by cross-country skiers. As it passes through the town centers of Lexington and Arlington, and close to the center of Bedford it provides easy access to refreshments and services to its users. It also runs next to several conservation areas and allows views of some beautiful serene woodlands. Road crossings are well posted, in some cases have traffic lights to help in crossing, and you get to ride over 128 on a bridge and look down at everyone else in the traffic. For kids and adults it is a great area resource.
More information on the bike path can be found on the official website: www.minutemanbikeway.org which has maps, historical information and much more.
For an 8/21 update on this topic take a look at the Boston Globe article http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/21/pedal_power/
